Way back in the 80s, there was an intriguing billboard campaign that got people talking and scratching their head. The posters were blank except for the words 'Radio GaGa'. We all know what it means now, but at the time the hype was infectious, so that once Queen released the so-named single, it was unsurprisingly a huge hit.
On a slightly more local scale, the hoarding that went up around the former newsagent on the corner of Westow Street and Central Hill, and staying in place for what seemed like an eternity, aroused plenty of curiosity and speculation. There were all sorts of rumours, and mysterious sightings of elephants through the hoarding.
Meeting Freddie Oke, one of the owners, he explained that the long winded build time was down to one or two calamitous events, such as when he fell off the roof, breaking a leg midway through the work, and a fire that struck the premises.
The hoarding however, and the lack of information about what was going on behind it, was very much a part of the plan of keeping the whole thing very much under wraps. I remember worrying that after all the hype, the shop would prove to be a disappointment, but when it finally opened, it was a breath of fresh air. A vibrant and colourful mix of modern Italian and hip retro, mass produced and bespoke, cutting edge and vintage. All come together in this clean bright space which acts as a blank canvas for the discerning eyes of Freddie and his business partner, Noel Douglas.
